Amoeba infections: What is better for prevention? Cleaning or chlorination?

‘Amoeba’ is no more a term familiar to biology students or record books alone, at least in Kerala. It is viewed as a scary presence hiding in our open water bodies, waiting to infect us dangerously, and stopping both young and old from diving into waters stress-free, unlike in the past. The state government is all set to clean and chlorinate as many water bodies as possible, to prevent deadly infections like Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). However, did you know that there is a better way to keep our water bodies safe? Dr TS Aneesh, Professor of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, explains.

The most important solution
Cleaning the natural water sources like ponds is the best preventive measure to fight diseases like amoebic encephalitis than chlorination. Creating environments where amoeba can’t grow is the most important solution. For this, sludge in ponds where amoeba thrives should be cleared. Besides, wastewater shouldn’t be dumped into ponds and other natural water sources.

Chlorination may not be completely effective in flowing water. Moreover, it might even destroy the aquatic animals. Amoeba naturally grows in pods. The proliferation of amoeba is what causes diseases like amoebic encephalitis. So, it is important to ensure that the water in the pond is clean and not polluted.

Most important step
Amoeba feeds on e coli bacteria that reach the water bodies through excreta. The presence of e coli bacteria in the water results in the proliferation of amoeba. The wastewater from the septic tanks in houses may reach the natural water bodies or wells. Besides, the drainage system may be opened to the ponds or lakes. This increases the presence of e coli bacteria as well as harmful amoeba. So, the first step is to avoid situations where waste materials get mixed in water bodies. Besides, the sludge should be scooped out of the ponds. The risk of amoeba could be avoided by regularly cleaning the water bodies and keeping them free from pollution.

Ponds should be cleaned at least once a year. Summer is the best time to clean the water bodies as part of the extensive cleaning drive ahead of the monsoon. Meanwhile, chlorination is effective in wells and swimming pools.